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At least 1,135 records · Page 63

Spacelab Life Sciences 1 and 2 scientific research objectives

The pressurized Spacelab module was designed and built to allow investigators to conduct research in space in an environment approximating that of a ground-based laboratory. It is configured to allow multiple investigations employing both human and nonhuman subjects. This flexability is exemplified by the SLS-1, SLS-2, and SLS-3 experiment complement. A total of 21 experiments are scheduled for these missions; the areas to be investigated are renal/endocrine function, cardiovascular/cardiopulmonary function, hematology, immunology, metabolic activity of muscle, Ca metabolism, the vestibular system, and general biology. A plan for integration of measurements will allow each investigator to use data from other experiments. The experiments make up a scientifically balanced payload that addresses fundamental biomedical problems associated with space flight and provides the first opportunity to study the acute effects of weightlessness in a comprehensive, interrelated fashion.

Leach, Carolyn S.↗

Fluid control mechanisms in weightlessness

Experiments performed on Space Shuttle flights have emphasized study of the earliest effects of the cephalad fluid shift resulting from microgravity. Analysis of one subject's urine collected during flight showed that a sharp increase in antidiuretic hormone occurred within 2 h of launch, followed by an increase in cortisol excretion. Although this subject had symptoms of the space adaptation syndrome (SAS), inflight data from Spacelab missions suggested that these transient changes were not caused by SAS. Unpaired t-tests and Mann-Whitney tests showed that before and after flight, plasma thyroxine and urine osmolality were significantly higher in Shuttle crewmembers who exhibited more severe symptoms of SAS than in asymptomatic crewmembers.

Leach, Carolyn S.↗

The endocrine system in space flight

A trial natriuretic factor (ANF), a hormone recently shown to regulate sodium and water excretion, has been measured in blood specimens obtained during flight. After 30 or 42 h of weightlessness, mean ANF was elevated. After 175 or 180 h, ANF has increased by 59 percent, and it changed little between that time and soon after landing. There is probably an increase in ANF early inflight associated with the fluid shift, followed by a compensatory decrease in blood volume. Increased renal blood flow may cause the later ANF decrease. Erythropoietin (Ep), a hormone involved in the control of red blood cell proudction, was measured in blood samples taken during the first Spacelab mission and was significantly decreased on the second day of flight, suggesting also an increase in renal blood flow. Spacelab-2 investigators report that the active vitamin D metabolite 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 increased early in the flight, indicating that a stimulus for increased bone resorption occurs by 30 h after launch.

Leach, C. S.↗

Physics of windblown particles

A laboratory facility proposed for the Space Station to investigate fundamental aspects of windblown particles is described. The experiments would take advantage of the environment afforded in earth orbit and would be an extension of research currently being conducted on the geology and physics of windblown sediments on earth, Mars, and Venus. Aeolian (wind) processes are reviewed in the planetary context, the scientific rational is given for specific experiments to be conducted, the experiment apparatus (the Carousel Wind Tunnel, or CWT) is described, and a plan presented for implementing the proposed research program.

Greeley, Ronald↗

Design and calibration of the carousel wind tunnel

In the study of planetary aeolian processes the effect of gravity is not readily modeled. Gravity appears in the equations of particle motion along with interparticle forces but the two terms are not separable. A wind tunnel that would permit variable gravity would allow separation of the forces and aid greatly in understanding planetary aeolian processes. The design of the Carousel Wind Tunnel (CWT) allows for a long flow distance in a small sized tunnel since the test section is a continuous circuit and allows for a variable pseudo-gravity. A prototype design was built and calibrated to gain some understanding of the characteristics of the design and the results presented.

Leach, R. N.↗

Development and testing of a unique carousel wind tunnel to experimentally determine the effect of gravity and the interparticle force on the physics of wind-blown particles

In the study of planetary aeolian processes the effect of gravity is not readily modeled. Gravity appears in the equations of particle motion along with the interparticle forces but the two are not separable. A wind tunnel that perimits multiphase flow experiments with wind blown particles at variable gravity was built and experiments were conducted at reduced gravity. The equations of particle motion initiation (saltation threshold) with variable gravity were experimentally verified and the interparticle force was separated. A uniquely design Carousel Wind Tunnel (CWT) allows for the long flow distance in a small sized tunnel since the test section if a continuous loop and develops the required turbulent boundary layer. A prototype model of the tunnel where only the inner drum rotates was built and tested in the KC-135 Weightless Wonder 4 zero-g aircraft. Future work includes further experiments with walnut shell in the KC-135 which sharply graded particles of widely varying median sizes including very small particles to see how interparticle force varies with particle size, and also experiments with other aeolian material.

Leach, R. N.↗

Aeolian processes aboard a Space Station: Saltation and particle trajectory analysis

The Carousel Wind Tunnel (CWT) proposed to study aeolian processes aboard a Space Station consists of two concentric rotating drums. The space between the two drums comprises the wind tunnel section. Differential rates of rotation of the two drums would provide a wind velocity with respect to either drum surface. Preliminary results of measured velocity profiles made in a CWT prototype indicate that the wall bounded boundary layer profiles are suitable to simuate flat plate turbulent boundary layer flow. The two dimensional flate plate Cartesian coordinate equations of motion of a particle moving through the air are explained. In order to assess the suitability of CWT in the analysis of the trajectories of windblown particles, a series of calculations were conducted comparing cases for gravity with those of zero gravity. Results from the calculations demonstrate that a wind tunnel of the carousel design could be fabricated to operate in a space station environment and that experiments could be conducted which would yield significant results contributing to the understanding of the physics of particle dynamics.

White, Bruce R.↗

Fabrication of Pd-Cr wire

Fabrication of Pd-13 percent Cr alloy wires is described. Melting, casting, swaging and annealing processes are discussed. Drawing to reach two diameters (0.003 inch and 0.00176 inch) of wire is described. Representative micrographs of the Pd-Cr alloy at selected stages during wire fabrication are included. The resistance of the wire was somewhat lower, by about 15 to 20 percent, than comparable wire of other alloys used for strain gages.

Diamond, Sidney↗

Commercial users panel

The discussions of motives and requirements for telerobotics application demonstrated that, in many cases, lack of progress was a result not of limited opportunities but of inadequate mechanisms and resources for promoting opportunities. Support for this conclusion came from Telerobotics, Inc., one of the few companies devoted primarily to telerobot systems. They have produced units for such diverse applications as nuclear fusion research, particle accelerators, cryogenics, firefighting, marine biology/undersea systems and nuclear mobile robotics. Mr. Flatau offered evidence that telerobotics research is only rarely supported by the private sector and that it often presents a difficult market. Questions on the mechanisms contained within the NASA technology transfer process for promoting commercial opportunities were fielded by Ray Gilbert and Tom Walters. A few points deserve emphasis: (1) NASA/industry technology transfer occurs in both directions and NASA recognizes the opportunity to learn a great deal from industry in the fields of automation and robotics; (2) promotion of technology transfer projects takes a demand side approach, with requests to industry for specific problem identification. NASA then proposes possible solutions; and (3) comittment ofmotivated and technically qualified people on each end of a technology transfer is essential.

Byrd, Joseph S.↗

Cholesterol in serum lipoprotein fractions after spaceflight

Results are reported from blood-lipid measurements obtained from 125 Space Shuttle crew members before and after space flight. The data are presented in tables and discussed in detail. The main differences noted between preflight and postflight values are a 12.8-percent decrease in high-density lipoproteins on postflight day 1 and significant decreases in total cholesterol and both high- and low-density lipoproteins later in the 23-day postflight period.

Leach, Carolyn S.↗

Medical considerations for extending human presence in space

The medical factors affecting the duration of manned space missions are reviewed. Topics addressed include the effects of weightlessness on body fluids, the cardiovascular system, red blood cells, the musculoskeletal system, the immune system, and the nervous system and the problems encountered in readaptation to normal gravity for each of these systems. Also discussed are the effects of radiation exposure, altered circadian rhythms, and closed environments. Plans for in-flight health care on the International Space Station are briefly outlined.

Leach, C. S.↗

Long-term follow up of astronaut health indices

Ground-based research and reevaluation of flight data is currently in progress in order to develop suitable and operationally acceptable medical standards for extended-duration manned space missions. The large amount of data obtained thus far constitutes a unique data base representative of the astronaut population. In this paper, preliminary 10-year findings of prospective studies established in 1977 are described, and results obtained from retrospective studies conducted on data accumulated prior to the 1977 establishment of medical selection standards are summarized.

Nicogossian, A. E.↗

Fluid/electrolyte and endocrine changes in space flight

The primary effects of space flight that influence the endocrine system and fluid and electrolyte regulation are the reduction of hydrostatic gradients, reduction in use and gravitational loading of bone and muscle, and stress. Each of these sets into motion a series of responses that culminates in alteration of some homeostatic set points for the environment of space. Set point alterations are believed to include decreases in venous pressure; red blood cell mass; total body water; plasma volume; and serum sodium, chloride, potassium, and osmolality. Serum calcium and phosphate increase. Hormones such as erythropoietin, atrial natriuretic peptide, aldosterone, cortisol, antidiuretic hormone, and growth hormone are involved in the dynamic processes that bring about the new set points. The inappropriateness of microgravity set points for 1-G conditions contributes to astronaut postflight responses.

Huntoon, Carolyn Leach↗

Saltation thresholds and entrainment of fine particles at Earth and Martian pressures

An open circuit wind tunnel designed to operate in a large vacuum chamber was built at NASA-Ames to investigate saltation threshold, flux, deflation rates, and other aeolian phenomena on the planet Mars. The vacuum chamber will operate at pressures as low as 4 mbar, and the tunnel operates at windspeeds as high as 150 m/sec. Either air or CO2 can be used as a working fluid. It was found that, to a first order approximation, the same dynamic pressure was required at Martian pressure to entrain or saltate particles as was required on Earth, although wind and particle speed are considerably higher at Martian pressure. A 2nd wind tunnel, designed to operate aboard the NASA KC-135 0-g aircraft to obtain information on the effect of gravity on saltation threshold and the interparticle force at 0-g, is also described and test data presented. Some of the experiments are summarized and various aspects of low pressure aeolian entrainment for particles 12 to 100 micron in diameter are discussed, some of them unique to low pressure testing and some common in Earth pressure particle transport testing. The facility, the modes of operation, and the materials used are described.

Leach, Rodman↗

Human factors and productivity on Space Station Freedom

Three main facets of man systems are investigated with reference to the Space Station Freedom program: specific hardware systems that focus on the human element; requirements definition for man-systems integration; and crew interface and operations analysis. Three key criteria have been identified for selecting individuals to constitute the human system or crew for Space Station Freedom missions: aptitude for mission specific skills, motivation, and sensitivity to self and others. Integration of the human system into the complex engineering and science systems planned on Space Station Freedom will require the close collaboration of engineers, physicians, psychologists, and human factors experts. Ground-based research and experiments on the KC-135 aircraft are providing information about how human systems will function on a space station and how to design other systems to interact with the crew. A laboratory for further research will be provided onboard Space Station Freedom.

Leach, C. S.↗

Biochemical correlates of neurosensory changes in weightlessness

The possible existence of a relationship between space motion sickness and chemical and biochemical variables measured in body fluids is studied. Clinical chemistry and endocrine measurements from blood and urine samples taken before and after Space Shuttle flights were analyzed along with the occurrence of SMS during flight and provocative testing before flight. Significant positive correlations were observed with serum chloride and significant negative correlations with serum phosphate, serum uric acid, and plasma thyroid stimulating hormone.

Leach, Carolyn S.↗

Space physiology and medicine (2nd edition)

The fundamental biomedical issues involved in manned space flight are examined in review chapters contributed by leading U.S. experts. Sections are devoted to the history of manned space flight, the space environment, space-flight systems and procedures, physiological adaptation to space flight, health maintenance of space crewmembers, and medical problems of space flight. Extensive diagrams, drawings, graphs, photographs, and tables of numerical data are provided.

Nicogossian, Arnauld E.↗